Coalition of Taraba Youth and Students Passes Vote of Confidence on Gov Kefas, Endorses him For 2027
By Hilary JohnÂ
A coalition of Taraba Youth and Students on Thursday passed a vote of confidence on the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
The Coalition equally endorsed him for re-election as Governor in the 2027 governorship election.
The Coalition stated this position while addressing a Press Conference at the Tim Royal Hotel in Jalingo, the state capital.
The text of the Press Conference was signed by Shedrach Irimiya Gani of the Taraba Tracker for Good Governance, Gabriel Anigya Meshack, NUTASS President and Jamila Mohammed of the Taraba Women Movement.
“In recent weeks, public discussions have emerged regarding the pace of physical development in our state, with citizens expressing concerns about roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. While these concerns are genuine, it is important to highlight the deliberate and comprehensive strategy of Governor Agbu Kefas, an approach that balances immediate needs with long-term investments in human capital and institutional reform. This strategy is laying the solid foundation required to transform Taraba into a prosperous and sustainable state.
The Coalition noted that as the largest demographic group in Taraba, the youth have watched closely, engaged constructively, and benefited directly from this administration’s policies and can therefore speak with authority and conviction on the impact of Governor Kefas’s leadership.
“One of the boldest steps taken so far is the unprecedented inclusion of young people in governance, with over eighty per cent of commissioners and aides being youths. This has not only given our generation a voice in leadership but also provided us the opportunity to learn governance first-hand, preparing us for greater responsibilities in the near future.
“The Governor’s visionary approach to education further demonstrates his commitment to building the leaders of tomorrow. By introducing free education at the primary and secondary levels, reducing tuition fees across tertiary institutions, and taking responsibility for the payment of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations, His Excellency has removed the financial barriers that for years kept many children out of school. This deliberate investment in education will produce a generation equipped to drive Taraba’s progress. Complementing this is the establishment of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the first of its kind in the state, designed to safeguard youth welfare, amplify our voices, and provide structured avenues for us to participate meaningfully in governance.
“Beyond youth empowerment and education, His Excellency has embarked on transformational initiatives that are steadily rebranding Taraba and positioning it as a serious player in the national and global investment landscape. The facelift of the TY Danjuma Government House in Jalingo has turned the seat of power into a symbol of modern governance, while the remodeling of the TY Danjuma House in Abuja now gives Taraba a dignified presence at the federal level. The ongoing development of a world-class airport further opens our state to tourism, trade, and business opportunities. In the same vein, the highly successful TARAVEST Summit was a landmark event that showcased Taraba’s vast potential and inspired investor confidence that the state is truly open for business.
“Equally important are the administration’s strides in security, workers’ welfare, and healthcare delivery. Communities across the state have witnessed improved safety, giving farmers, traders, and investors greater confidence to pursue their livelihoods. Workers’ welfare has received unprecedented attention, with salaries, pensions, and gratuities being paid promptly. In a rare demonstration of commitment, the government has implemented the national minimum wage in full and even doubled it on two occasions, thereby protecting the dignity of labour. In healthcare, deliberate investments in facilities, manpower, and access have improved the delivery of services, saved lives, and reduced the burden on families. These achievements go beyond promises; they are measurable, impactful, and directly touch lives. They may not always be as visible as a new road or bridge, but they build the human foundation upon which sustainable infrastructure can thrive. Roads can be constructed within months, but building capable, educated, and empowered citizens requires foresight, patience, and deliberate policy, the very qualities His Excellency has demonstrated in abundance.
“For these reasons, and after wide consultations with youth and student stakeholders across the sixteen local government areas of the state, the Coalition of Youth and Students Groups in Taraba State hereby passes a resounding Vote of Confidence on the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas. We also openly endorse him for re-election in 2027, to consolidate the gains already made and to continue his transformative policies aimed at securing the state’s future”.
The Coalition called on all Tarabans, elders, women, traditional rulers, civil society, and the entire citizens to rally behind what it described as “this forward-looking administration”.
“Together, let us build a Taraba that is not only rich in infrastructure but also strong in human capacity, inclusive in governance, and prosperous in every sense”.
